Larksville man faces animal cruelty charges

The dogs neared death by the time they were rescued from a disheveled Larksville residence last year, police said.

Tyrice Paulin, 31, of 22 E. Broadway St., was arraigned on Tuesday on three counts of cruelty to animals before Magisterial District Judge David Barilla.

He told police over the phone he had been in Philadelphia on business, and was unable to make it home to take care of his dogs for three weeks.

According to the affidavit filed by Larksville Borough police:

While a mail carrier was on his route in July 2013, he saw a pit bull hanging halfway out of an upstairs window at 22 E. Broadway St. after knocking the screen out.

When police arrived, they found two more dogs inside the residence, which was in shambles and appeared to have been abandoned as it had multiple shutoff notices outside and mail overflowing the mailbox.

Code Enforcement Officer Joe Yosh also responded and condemned the home after inspecting it.

The Larksville Fire Department got the dogs out of the home. Police searched the house and found there was no food or water supplies for the three dogs.

The SPCA transported the dogs to its facility for treatment. Not only were the animals unhealthy, but they were nearing death when they were discovered. They were also infested with fleas and had worms.

Paulin remains free on $1,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. June 12 before Barilla.

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